Advantech Launches Dual-node Short-depth 4U Chassis

  • Sep 04, 2014

Advantech, a IPC service provider that delivers industrial computing solutions, is launching the 4U, dual-node, short-depth (350mm), industrial chassis ACP-4D00 which is designed for high-end machine automation applications that require two computers in one piece of equipment for workload sharing or parallel computing.

The innovative dual-node architecture allows the user to install two half-size slot SBCs in two sub-systems and integrate them in a compact 4U cage. Each node supports a CPU card with desktop Core i processor, 6-slot backplane and up to 350W power supply so the computer node can be used for either traditional control applications or for high end CPU/GPU computing. For example, in an AOI (Automatic Optical Inspection) application, one node can be used for controlling camera, robotic arm movements, capturing image or sensor data, HMI, etc. while the other can be used for processing data and generating inspection results.

By adopting half-size slot SBC architecture, ACP-4D00 depth is only 350mm, making it easy to integrate into equipment enclosures and leaving more space for air flow, device placement, and cable routing. Tool-less design allows the user to pull out the sub-system, open its top-lid, or take out the system fan just by loosening thumb-screws; no screwdriver needed. This facilitates equipment maintenance, and equipment mean time to repair (MTTR) becomes shorter.

Each ACP-4D00 node supports a PICMG 1.3 or PCI half-size CPU card with computing power up to desktop Core i7, 6-slot backplane with maximum 3 PCIe or PCI expansion slots (3 slots are occupied by CPU card) and 250W or 350W high-efficiency 80 Plus power supply. The excellent thermal design ensures that high-end Core i7 processor and discrete GPU card run stably for intense data or image processing tasks.

There is one external 3.5” shock resistant drive bay in each sub-system; the user can choose to install one internal 3.5” hard drive or one Advantech IDT-3120 drive bay converter module in either or both sub-systems. Each IDT-3120 converter module provides two hot-swap 2.5” drive trays; this makes for easy maintenance and is handy for RAID 0/1 arrays. The drive bay itself is protected by four special-design rubber screws so storage device read/write speed remains normal even in a vibrating environment. This is important because many pieces of industrial equipment have moving parts such as cameras, robotic arms, conveyors, etc., that generate vibration.

Currently, Advantech offers two PICMG 1.3 CPU cards—PCE-3028 (Intel Q87), PCE-4128 (Intel C226), and three PICMG 1.3 backplanes—PCE-3B03-00A1E, PCE-3B06-00A1E, and PCE-3B06-03A1E, for use with ACP-4D00. The system configurations support the latest Intel 4th generation Core i processors, advanced PCIe Gen 3, or legacy PCI expansions. These should meet most computing performance and scalability requirements for today’s high-end machine automation applications.

ACP-4D00 is an ideal industrial chassis solution for high-end equipment builders, and will be available in December 2014.

Featured

  • Security Industry Association Announces the 2026 Security Megatrends

    The Security Industry Association (SIA) has identified and forecasted the 2026 Security Megatrends, which form the basis of SIA’s signature annual Security Megatrends report defining the top 10 factors influencing both near- and long-term change in the global security industry. Read Now

  • The Future of Access Control: Cloud-Based Solutions for Safer Workplaces

    Access controls have revolutionized the way we protect our people, assets and operations. Gone are the days of cumbersome keychains and the security liabilities they introduced, but it’s a mistake to think that their evolution has reached its peak. Read Now

  • A Look at AI

    Large language models (LLMs) have taken the world by storm. Within months of OpenAI launching its AI chatbot, ChatGPT, it amassed more than 100 million users, making it the fastest-growing consumer application in history. Read Now

  • First, Do No Harm: Responsibly Applying Artificial Intelligence

    It was 2022 when early LLMs (Large Language Models) brought the term “AI” into mainstream public consciousness and since then, we’ve seen security corporations and integrators attempt to develop their solutions and sales pitches around the biggest tech boom of the 21st century. However, not all “artificial intelligence” is equally suitable for security applications, and it’s essential for end users to remain vigilant in understanding how their solutions are utilizing AI. Read Now

  • Improve Incident Response With Intelligent Cloud Video Surveillance

    Video surveillance is a vital part of business security, helping institutions protect against everyday threats for increased employee, customer, and student safety. However, many outdated surveillance solutions lack the ability to offer immediate insights into critical incidents. This slows down investigations and limits how effectively teams can respond to situations, creating greater risks for the organization. Read Now

Most   Popular

New Products

  • Automatic Systems V07

    Automatic Systems V07

    Automatic Systems, an industry-leading manufacturer of pedestrian and vehicle secure entrance control access systems, is pleased to announce the release of its groundbreaking V07 software. The V07 software update is designed specifically to address cybersecurity concerns and will ensure the integrity and confidentiality of Automatic Systems applications. With the new V07 software, updates will be delivered by means of an encrypted file.

  • FEP GameChanger

    FEP GameChanger

    Paige Datacom Solutions Introduces Important and Innovative Cabling Products GameChanger Cable, a proven and patented solution that significantly exceeds the reach of traditional category cable will now have a FEP/FEP construction.

  • 4K Video Decoder

    3xLOGIC’s VH-DECODER-4K is perfect for use in organizations of all sizes in diverse vertical sectors such as retail, leisure and hospitality, education and commercial premises.